United Rugby Championship: Eight teams, six points, four spots – the URC’s play-off race

Despite the well-documented struggles of Welsh rugby recently, Cardiff have worked their way into a strong position to make the play-offs but have a tricky final three fixtures at home to Munster followed by a South African double-header with the Bulls and Stormers.

Cardiff are one place below 2021 Pro14 champions Benetton, who finish up with trips to the Stormers and Munster either side of a home match with Glasgow.

While it is tight between the sides, the three-point buffer Benetton and Cardiff hold to the cut line could be crucial.

As previously mentioned, Edinburgh are in a unique position as they have two routes to Champions Cup rugby available for next season.

If they cannot qualify by winning the Challenge Cup, then they can book their place by sneaking into the top eight.

Games away to Zebre and Connacht are certainly winnable and, as we’ve mentioned, that final game at home to Ulster could be crucial.

Should points difference come into play, both the Scarlets and Edinburgh are better off than the sides immediately ahead of them.

Last, but by no means least, the Stormers are in a strong position heading into the final three fixtures as they round out the season with three home fixtures against Benetton, bottom side Dragons and Cardiff.

With so much still to be decided, the final few weeks of the regular season promise much drama, joy and heartache.